Can Writing Contests Pave the Road to Publication?
Today’s Blog is a departure for a Tuesday but since it coincides with the day I am doing an article at GATHER.COM, it seemed appropriate. And there’s a CONTEST for a chance to win something at the end of this post! 
I’m going to talk about how contests can help aspiring authors get published. Contests are an investment in your career – and yes even if you aren’t published yet, even if you aren’t earning money yet, you have a career and you are aspiring towards your goals. You need to work out how much money you have to spend on this kind of contest (RWA chapter sponsored contests range from $25 - $40 – I think! It’s been a long time since I’ve entered). So you want to choose your contest and your investment wisely.
There are different kinds of contests, which leaves many people scratching their heads over which contests to enter at which point in their careers. I’m here to offer you guidelines (subject to my personal opinion, of course!)
Contests for the brand new writer – You’ve started writing and you don’t have a critique partner; or you have a critique partner but you want an unbiased opinion on your work – BUT you know you aren’t quite ready for publication yet. Romance Writers of America has many local chapters and special interest chapters and many of them host contests judged by published authors. Entering this kind of contest gives writers a chance to have their work read by someone with more experience than them – and to have their writing critiqued. Some of these contests ask you to send the first chapter – which will let you know how strong your opening is – whether you start at the right place in the story – whether you bog the reader down with unnecessary information or whether you’re right on with your beginning. My home chapter, Hudson Valley RWA, has a contest called Hook Line and Sinker in which published authors critique the first three PAGES of a novel – and judge based on whether or not you can hook an editor in the first three pages.
There are also contests that offer detailed critiques in exchange for entry; some who offer critiques to only the finalists. Critiques are wonderful things – and they are also SUBJECTIVE – as in CAVEAT EMPTOR – one person’s opinion isn’t necessarily RIGHT for your work. It also isn’t wrong. It’s up to you to sift through the fountain of information you receive and decide what works and what doesn’t when going forward and revising your manuscript. Just because a published author suggests a change doesn’t mean you must make it.
These kinds of contests are worth investing in as a means of judging how you’re doing in the beginning stages of your career.
Another warning – a thick skin comes in handy when entering contests. CRITICISM HURTS. Authors who get reviewed know this. Unpublished authors all must learn to cope with this kind of critique. IF you are in a fragile state of mind regarding your work, it might be the time to opt out of contests until you are feeling more secure. Winning or even finaling gives you a huge ego boost but being ranked low or critiqued harshly can send you running for a pint of icecream at best. At worst it can set back your writing process and that is something NO WRITER should let happen. Don’t give anyone else that kind of power over your emotions or your writing. Remember the word SUBJECTIVE when willingly going through the contest process!
Unpublished but think your work is nearly ready for Publication: You need to find a way to get your work in front of an editor beyond sending in your manuscript and hoping for a read. What better way than to enter and win a contest in which the prize is a read by the editor of the line to which you are trying to sell your beloved book? To me, if you have money to invest in your career, these contests are a no-brainer. It’s worth the investment because of the potential for gain in the end.
Where do you get the information for all of these RWA Sponsored Contests? If you JOIN Romance Writers of America as I suggested, you will receive their monthly magazine, the Romance Writers’ Report, which details upcoming contests, contact information, cost, and which editors are judging. Same for the contests for beginning writers. They are listed in the RWR with website links to the contests.
Unpublished, ready for publication, but just can’t break through: (in other words, a Contest where PUBLICATION is the PRIZE).**
Tomorrow marks the start of the Gather.com First Chapters Romance Writing Competition (http://romancenovel.gather.com). From August 1 through August 22, aspiring romance novelists will have the opportunity to submit a full-length romantic fiction manuscript for consideration to win a guaranteed publishing contract with the Pocket Books imprint of Simon & Schuster, along with a $5,000 advance.
(pasted below is a detailed explanation of how the contest works, which can also be found online at GATHER.COM
To see how it works, visit the link above. GATHER.COM and Simon and Schuster are offering a unique opportunity to get your work published BUT:
**CAVEAT – As with all contests, I am highly recommending that the entrant READ AND UNDERSTAND the rules of the contest, the rights they are giving or signing away by entering. I am not suggesting you enter based on my say so – but with any choice, you make an EDUCATED decision that is right for you by reading the rules and regulations.
SO.
I hope I’ve offered some insight into writing contests. To see what I have to say regarding 10 STEPS TO YOUR BEST ROMANCE NOVEL, visit my article at GATHER.COM today!
HAPPY READING, HAPPY WRITING.
Next Tuesday back to my regularly scheduled blogging!
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And now, the Plotmonkeys have a special giveaway here today for aspiring authors! While at the Romance Writers of America conference in Dallas, Carly and Janelle brought back a big binder and a CD, each containing over EIGHTY (80!) writing workshop handouts and articles geared toward writers! There are handouts from characterization, mastering point of view, plotting, writing synopses, establishing relationships with editors and agents, promotion, AND SO MUCH MORE! This booklet and CD contain invaluable information for the aspiring author!
Anyone can post today, but if you’re an aspiring author and you’re interested in winning one of these giveaways, give a shout out in your post that your an aspiring author and want to be part of today’s contest drawing! One person will win the binder of workshop articles and handouts, and another will win the CD of workhop articles and handouts!
Special Note to all the ASPIRING WRITERS who have been stopping by today…Saturday is pretty much craft/business of writing day here at Plotmonkeys. Please feel free to not only go back and read our past Saturday posts (which IMO have some really great advice) and to come back every Saturday for writing discussions. If you have a question you’d like us to answer, please send it along! We hope you come back!
Good luck to all aspiring authors! Sounds like a cool prize.
Comment by Stacy ~ — July 31, 2007 @ 6:54 am
HOLY S…!!!! You guys are so amazingly generous to your readers! Not just with the prizes but with your time, which is so precious.
This information was great, thanks, Carly! I entered the TARA Contest that Julie’s chapter sponsored and just received my information back this past week.
I’ve posted about my husband’s situation but I haven’t shared that my oldest has something amiss with his kidneys that the doctors are trying to figure out and that my youngest has 4 baby teeth that refuse to leave so they need to be pulled. When I got the envelope in the mail last week I almost put it straight in the trash because I knew it was going to be ugly and I just didn’t think I could handle anything more (I’d also had a flat tire that day while taking my oldest for a CatScan).
I ended up opening it and while the judges were critical, they were also positive and made their remarks in a non-stinging way. It was a wonderful experience for my first contest and helped me know what direction I need to go. It was definitely a great investment for my career!
Comment by Jodie — July 31, 2007 @ 8:21 am
Jodie, when it rains it pours.
But hopefully all will end up in an upward swing. I’m glad the contest experience was a good one for you!
Comment by Carly — July 31, 2007 @ 8:36 am
Carly -
Thanks for all your helpful writing tips over the past year - as an aspiring author, I’d LOVE this prize!
Comment by Nina — July 31, 2007 @ 8:41 am
Which reminds me, I have a Brava Novella Contest to help launch. As I recall, at least two finalists ended up getting published the last time that was run.
Comment by Walt — July 31, 2007 @ 8:43 am
I was a bit of a contest, um, slut, in my unpublished days. I finalled in a bunch, won several, and never got a request out of them. What did contests teach me?
1. Taste is so subjective! I’d get one perfect scoresheet back from a published author offering to introduce me to her editor, and the next one from an unpublished author saying that I couldn’t write my way out of a paper bag. Or vice versa.
2. Contests are a crapshoot. I’d win one and get a lovely note back from the final judge, then do abysmally in the next on the exact same entry.
3. If you’re getting the same advice from three judges, you should probably consider it. One might be a crazy person who wouldn’t know taste if it slapped her in the face, but three people are a consensus.
4. If you are a judge, NEVER sign your name on a scoresheet. I remember every single person who judged one of my manuscripts, and not all of them fondly.
5. Never let contests get in the way of actually writing and submitting. I know too many writers who have won every contest out there, sometimes multiple times, and still don’t have a book contract. After I finalled/won a handful of contests but still wasn’t getting a request, I knew the contest route was not for me. Retire. Try something different. Don’t waste your time beating that dead horse.
Comment by Diana — July 31, 2007 @ 9:05 am
Contests are a great way for unpublished writers to get feedback on their work - and for unpubs “on the brink” to get their work before editors and agents without moldering in the slush pile.
I received numerous requests for fulls from contests, got my agent in part by finalling in the Golden Heart, made an invaluable bookseller contact through winning the Emily and the Emily Best of the Best, and SOLD my first book thanks to the Low Country RWA’s Jasmine award. I also got a lot of really beautiful jewelry out of the experience!
Besides, the criticisms you get back? Hey, at least those are PRIVATE, not splashed all over the internet as reviews will be. So, for me at least, :thumbsup2: for contests!
Comment by Cheryl — July 31, 2007 @ 9:25 am
Contest. I have this love hate relationship with them. I know they’re good, well at least most of them are. Insert here, re-read Carly advice.
I do believe in the beginning of your writing career they can be invaluable to the writer. I also agree with Diana there comes a time when you have to stop polishing the first chapter and move on to polishing the rest of the book.
That said it is still one of the best ways to get your baby in front of an agent or editor, instead of them lying in the dreaded slush pile.
For the contest. If this is what we received at Nationals then please do not count me in. Someone who did not attend should win. If this is in addition to what we recieved then oh yea, please count me in.
Comment by Vicki — July 31, 2007 @ 9:26 am
O I would love to win this I think it would be so helpful in my quest to be a successful author . Keep me in mind
Comment by TAMMY — July 31, 2007 @ 9:27 am
I am leaving the writing to you all…have fun! Jodie, hang in there….Carly, finished CMH over the weekend and it was good! Now, I am reading Janelle’s WILDE THING (holy cow).
Comment by katie — July 31, 2007 @ 9:32 am
Great informative post by Carly!
(And great comments by Diana, too)
I’m an aspiring writer–and also thinking about entering a writing contest soon. Please enter me for the giveaway. I so need it.
Comment by Jennifer Shirk — July 31, 2007 @ 9:45 am
This Aspiring Reader…wishes all the ASPIRING AUTHORS the best of luck!
Comment by Darla — July 31, 2007 @ 10:36 am
Boy, am I glad I joined in the chat yesterday! Whoo-hoo! I am an aspiring author, with a partial at an agent (third one who requested–will this be “the charm?”
and I was planning to go to Nationals, but DH said we’d be moving. Did we move? No way. Will we next summer? Probably. 
I told him I’m planning on going anyway. The AF can work around me for once! So, this prize would make the heartache a little more tolerable! Thanks, ladies, for all the great writing advice, the warm welcome yesterday, and the great prizes! I’m in!
Comment by Becca — July 31, 2007 @ 10:50 am
Good luck to all the aspiring authors. I will keep the writing to y’all and the reading to me. I am enjoying reading about all the processes authors use. Jodie, know that we are all keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Comment by Liza — July 31, 2007 @ 10:52 am
Informative post… I really need to read the rules to that contest. I’m an aspiring author as well
, so I’d be interested in being entered into the drawing. Thanks!
Comment by Marissa — July 31, 2007 @ 11:01 am
I never really did the contest thing before I sold but I definitely did a lot of the published ones in the first few years after I sold! Total contest slut there. It’s gotten too pricy to do too many now, but there are still a few I never miss.
Jodie…so sorry to hear about additional turmoil!! But kudos on the good feedback from the contest!
Comment by Leslie — July 31, 2007 @ 11:26 am
Second post to say…I do contests. Not too many, but Carly’s advice is sound. I’ve had great scores and lousy scores on the same ms. One judge loves one thing, the other hates it. I also agree that if all three judges say something, or you hear it from multiple contests, there’s a good chance you should have a second look at it. I enter now to target a specific editor that I want to read my ms. I figure it’s worth the $30 or so to have a chance at a read by an editor of my choice instead of being on the bottom of a slush pile somewhere. Who knows? I’ve heard of people getting published from contests. Maybe I’ll be one soon!
I did get the best comment from one judge. She said my voice reminded her of an early Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
I love that judge!
Comment by Becca — July 31, 2007 @ 11:46 am
What a wonderful prize! Please include me in the drawing.
I’ve entered one contest years back when Lori Foster held her first contest for Brava. I’d like to think I’ve gotten MUCH better since then. LOL
Comment by Tammie — July 31, 2007 @ 11:58 am
Hi everyone- I just wanted to say thank you for the thoughts and prayers.
I’m pretty sure I’ve touched on every emotion known to man, I’ve wallowed in pity (just a short while, didn’t have time to stay there long), I’ve laughed, I’ve pinched myself to make sure it wasn’t a nightmare, and I’ve detached. I’ve been blessed with great friends (both real and cyber) and one thing for sure….there has got to be a damn book in all this somewhere!!!
Comment by Jodie — July 31, 2007 @ 12:01 pm
Wow, Carly! Thanks, yet again, for helping us aspiring writers! Like Jodie, I also entered the TARA contest (it was my first too and only one so far) and I got some really good, detailed feedback that was very helpful. I’m glad I entered it! Now I’m finishing up a novella that I’m planning to enter in the Brava contest that Walt mentioned.
And thanks so much for the Ten Steps at Gather.com. I really appreciate all the valuable information, advice and encouragement you give!
Comment by Robin — July 31, 2007 @ 12:06 pm
OMG!!! Please, please, please, pick me!!!!
thanks!
Ok so when it comes to a prize as invaluable as this, I have no problem begging!!!!
Carly thanks for the advice on contests, I’ve entered a few, and found the critque/critisism to be helpful. I’m going over to gather.com to check out your article
Comment by Tina Martinesi — July 31, 2007 @ 12:36 pm
Before I say how much I want to win this prize, I want to send my prayers and best wishes to Jodie. I can only image the stress that you are under right now. Good luck.
Now back to my begging to be the one picked for your amazing contest. I would love to win. As an aspiring author I devour any and all articles that I can find to improve my writing. If you choose me out of all of the other deserving authors I would eternally grateful. Have a great Tuesday.
Comment by Patty L — July 31, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
This is a great entry. Thank you for all of the wonderful info.
Toss me into the contest.
Comment by celeber — July 31, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
Thanks for the timely word on contests. Working on a contest entry now. I’m an aspiring and DEFINITELY want to enter today’s contest.
Comment by Patricia W — July 31, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
Hi I am an aspiring writer, but maybe you all could understand, I just get to a certain point - put it away for the day, and I just never pick it back. I can’t say for sure why..it just happens, and it’s happened a few times.
I think I have the great beginnings but somewhere the execution gets lost.
Thank you
Comment by Stephanie — July 31, 2007 @ 1:49 pm
Good luck to all the aspiring writers. I will remain a reader!
Jodie, I am so sorry to hear that it seems to be pouring in your life right now. I send you big ((((HUGS)))) and prayers that all will be in good health soon. :love2: Please keep us posted when you get the chance.
Take care,
Donna M
Comment by Donna M — July 31, 2007 @ 2:08 pm
Great article. When I first started writing I thought contests were great. I entered one and realized that I was far from ready.
So I have now decided that until I have anything complete I won’t enter a contest. I want to be ready.
By the way I am an aspiring author and would love to be entered in your contest.
Comment by Christina — July 31, 2007 @ 2:24 pm
Thanks for the gather article and your website. I am an aspiring writer and looking to sell my first romance novel. Please enter me in your giveaway. I wasn’t able to go to the conference and I know the information is invaluable. Thanks so much!!!
Comment by Leticia — July 31, 2007 @ 2:31 pm
Like I believe it was Janelle, I never LOVED English in school. But I have taken a writers course at a local community college. And I have some ideas for stories that I think would be great. Problem is I don’t know where to begin. I would love to win this prize to gain some more insight above what you girls have posted on Saturdays. Count me in too.
Comment by Kelly F. — July 31, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
Yeah, that would be me, Kelly. I BARELY passed English in high school and I never went to college except to take a few creative writing courses –that honestly didn’t help much in terms of writing romantic fiction. I learned to write romantic fiction by reading romance novels and studying them!
Comment by Janelle — July 31, 2007 @ 2:50 pm
Great information and things to ponder about contests. I entered TARA, too. I got my comments back and was pleasantly surprised by the comments. They were on the mark, but they also let me know that I’m not completely wasting my time in this adventure I’m on. One of these days, I’ll get brave and maybe submit again.
I already have the CD and Handouts, so I hope someone else is able to benefit from the wonderful information contained within them.
Comment by Lynn Matherly — July 31, 2007 @ 5:43 pm
I am an aspiring author and new to your website. I really appreciate all
the articles and advice everyone is willing to share. I visited gather.com and ready your article very informative. Please enter me in your contest.
Comment by Patricia — July 31, 2007 @ 6:14 pm
FYI, I have a degree in Creative Writing and I don’t attribute any of my success to that major…but I did learn about criticism there. Otherwise, I learned the same way Janelle did–studying the market and the books I loved.
Comment by Julie Leto — July 31, 2007 @ 7:31 pm
Jodie,
I think it’s so funny that you mentioned the TARA contest today, because I got my comments back from them today, and was very happy with my score and comments!!
Good Luck tomorrow, I’ll be thinking of you.
Comment by Tina Martinesi — July 31, 2007 @ 7:33 pm
Janelle & Julie,
You have both said you learned from reading romance novels, (which I read tons) but how did you learn about things like point of view, and dialogue?
As I mentioned before I got my comments back from the TARA contest today, and the one area that I scored lower in from both judges was dialogue, both said, “the story is told, not shown” and I’m not really sure what that means…lol
On an up note I was told that the story is workable, and that the premise of the story shows great possibilities and is very appealing
So I guess my question is how can I learn about making my dialogue stronger?
Comment by Tina Martinesi — July 31, 2007 @ 7:44 pm
OMG!! This is sooo totally cool!!!
I’m going to school for professional writing!! I want to be an author and I have always wanted to be one!
*Crosses fingers* I hope I get something! This would so totally help me out!!
Comment by Melissa — July 31, 2007 @ 8:29 pm
Comment by Pamela Bolton-Holifield — July 31, 2007 @ 9:02 pm
Tina, it looks like Leslie and I are going to have to take out our dialogue workshop and give it here at Plotmonkeys!
Comment by Julie Leto — July 31, 2007 @ 9:13 pm
Oh, meant to add as a quick idea…the next scene you write, write ONLY dialogue. No tags. No description. No exposition or explanation. Dialogue only. See what comes of it, then go back and layer in the rest of what needs to be there. By relying solely on dialogue to move the story forward, you might find what you’re looking for.
Comment by Julie Leto — July 31, 2007 @ 9:15 pm
I was really bummed that I missed the conference this year. I would love to win!
Great post, btw! You have to pick and choose the contest that fits your manuscript. Don’t try and fit the contest.
I finaled (and eventually came in third) in the first writing contest I ever entered.
Comment by Patti — July 31, 2007 @ 10:25 pm
OK, thanks Julie,
I think I understand what your suggesting and at this point I’m willing to try anything to keep the dialogue flowing because for the first time in a long time I’m really feeling confidant and excited about the story I’m working on.
As always, I am grateful for your advice and input, thank you
Comment by Tina Martinesi — July 31, 2007 @ 10:56 pm
You’re welcome, Tina. In the meantime, Leslie and I will try to turn our workshop into a series for our Saturdays here at Plotmonkeys.
Comment by Julie Leto — July 31, 2007 @ 11:28 pm
So far I have gotten up the nerve to enter one contest where I knew my story would be reviewd *shudder* I was a nervous wreck waiting to see what would happen next and then that particular section was cancelled due to a lack of entries. Such a let down! But I won’t be half as nervous next time *G*
Comment by Corinne Davies — August 1, 2007 @ 12:11 am
i’m an aspiring author, and i’d love to win this prize. (crosses finger, eyes and toes) I haven’t tried any contests, i’ve been chicken. That’s a new goal . . . to enter one contest before this time next year.
Comment by jessiegirl — August 1, 2007 @ 12:26 am
I didn’t get on at all, but just in case- it’s not me that is the aspiring writer, but Daughter. does that qualify???
Comment by ev — August 1, 2007 @ 5:37 am
I learned a lot by entering contests. It helped me learn to walk through the submission process of publishing, since I won a few contests and had some manuscripts requested.
One thing I learned was to be tough about criticism and not let it hurt me or make me stop writing. Another was to pay attention when two or three or more people said the same thing about a plot point or a character–then I couldn’t ignore it. It’s valuable advice that still works for me today.
I found contests incredibly valuable as a beginning writer.
Comment by Jaci Burton — August 1, 2007 @ 9:27 am
great advice- I’m new to this so need LOTS of it. Please enter me in your contest. cheers! Ellie
Comment by ellie — August 1, 2007 @ 9:27 am